Hawaii Opinion Columnists | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Rearview Mirror: 2024 columns spotlighted Obama Sr., Dick Tracy tale

None — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Every December, I review the previous 11 months and write a two-part series of things I learned during the year. Writing this column is a process of discovery for me that I thoroughly enjoy. Here are some highlights.

Kokua Line: How do I get refund from Harris Jewelry?

Christine Donnelly — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: Did Harris Jewelry ever have stores in Hawaii?

Facts of the Matter: Snowball Earth hypothesis: A planet frozen in time

None — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Imagine the entire Earth locked in a deep freeze, covered in ice from the poles to the equator. This is the essence of the Snowball Earth hypothesis, a theory that suggests our planet may have been entirely or nearly entirely frozen over multiple times in its ancient past. It’s an idea that sounds like science fiction, but there is strong evidence to back it up.

Kokua Line: Will Re-use Hawai‘i and HNL Tool Library reopen?

Christine Donnelly — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: Will the HNL Tool Library ever reopen? It closed when Re-use Hawai‘i closed in August.

Tech View: 12 Days of Technology offers practical advice

None — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Technology improves our lives in many ways, so it can be tempting to go overboard during the holidays. To ensure your holiday season is merry, here are 12 days of tech tips to keep you and your ohana safe and happy.

Kokua Line: Where are the Christmas parades?

Christine Donnelly — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: What is the schedule for Honolulu City Lights? We have guests coming in who might enjoy it. Also, where can we find information about other Christmas parades?

Kokua Line: Is Postal Service Christmas mailer correct?

Christine Donnelly — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: Are the Christmas ship-by dates in the Postal Service mailer correct? I thought Hawaii was earlier.

Dave Reardon: Time to think about future of UH sports after busy week

Dave Reardon — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Saturday was senior night for the University of Hawaii football team, nearing the end of the busiest sports week of the year at UH, if not in the state.

Column: Gov. Green fortunate on good economy, but dark clouds loom

Richard Borreca — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

A recent local opinion piece carries the message: “State needs to rein in wild spending.”

David Shapiro: Demonizing trans people not path to U.S. greatness

None — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

You don’t see many displays of class in Washington anymore, but freshman U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride showed how it’s done in response to a catty attack by fellow Rep. Nancy Mace, backed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Kokua Line: Does Social Security office require appointment?

Christine Donnelly — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: I heard you cannot walk into the Social Security office anymore. Is this true? I have a problem that I need help with as the instructions in the mail did not make sense to me. I planned to go to the office but my friend said to check first.

Rearview Mirror: Chicago-Hawaii connections are plentiful and run deep

None — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

I was looking for information on a Japanese submarine between Maui and the Big Island during World War II. I found an article about it written by journalism professor and writer Peter von Buol.

Kokua Line: When is town hall on higher sewer fees?

Christine Donnelly — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: At least before the Board of Water Supply raised water rates, they had a bunch of community meetings where people could vent their concerns. This plan for the big sewer fee increase from the city came out of nowhere as far as I am concerned.

Kokua Line readers give thanks for helpful community

Christine Donnelly — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

On Thanksgiving Day, we devote Kokua Line to readers’ expressions of gratitude, keeping up a tradition that we hope connects readers to Hawaii, to one another and to this column. Throughout the year, readers remind us that even the smallest kindness resonates — this holiday collection is another way to say “thank you” to all those who strive to “live aloha,” whether or not their goodness ever is acknowledged in print.

Tech View: ‘Geeky’ holiday gift guide has something for everyone

None — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

During the holiday season I like to highlight some of the items I’ve reviewed over the past year that I think readers might consider as gifts for family, friends or even themselves. (All prices listed are from Amazon).

Kokua Line: Why couldn’t Canadian friends go to Bellows?

Christine Donnelly — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: I am retired military and tried to get onto Bellows with two Canadian friends, and they were denied entry. What’s happening? Is that the same for all island military bases?

Dave Reardon: UH AD situation adds to long list of clown shows

Dave Reardon — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The family newspaper versions of what the acronyms FUBAR and SNAFU stand for are Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair, and Situation Normal, All Fouled Up.

Kokua Line: Does TSA still enforce rule against liquids?

Christine Donnelly — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: I am the opposite of a frequent flyer — I haven’t gone anywhere in years. Does the TSA still have the liquids rule? I have new prescriptions I want to carry with me and can’t risk putting in a checked bag. I am flying to California to see family for Thanksgiving and beyond. I’d rather not have to try to refill prescriptions there.

Stephen Tsai: New UH AD faces immediate challenges

Stephen Tsai — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

As Craig Angelos’ 18-month tenure as University of Hawaii athletic director ends this Sunday, there still are several unchecked boxes on the to-do list. Here is what acting athletic director Lois Manin or the next permanent athletic director will face in the coming months:

Billy Hull: A BWC title is there if the ‘right’ Wahine team shows up

Billy Hull — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Four.

Richard Borreca: Not donkey or elephant, Gabbard just political animal

None — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Tulsi Gabbard is headed to become the nation’s spy master.

Telescope atop Mauna Kea spots transitional galaxies

None — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea have made a fascinating discovery, identifying a group of transitional galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, which could unlock the mysteries behind ultracompact dwarf galaxies, or UCDs. UCDs are known to be among the densest stellar systems in the universe, but their origins have puzzled astronomers since their discovery more than two decades ago. The research, led by an international team, sheds light on the theory that UCDs are the remnants of disrupted dwarf galaxies.

David Shapiro: Will intel chief Gabbard be more than a gag line?

None — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Amid the punditry about former Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s extreme makeover from Bernie Sanders devotee to Donald Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, I revisited my old “flASHback” columns on news that amused and confused to see how my one- liners had her pegged. My favorites (tightened for space):

Dave Reardon: Hawaii fans want answers but the AD search will go on

Dave Reardon — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Craig Angelos is still the athletic director at the University of Hawaii for another few days. If you didn’t know he’d been fired less than two weeks ago, you couldn’t tell from his smiling demeanor at the UH basketball team’s game against North Carolina on Friday.

Rearview Mirror: Former military academy is now a school and a park

Bob Sigall — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Let’s begin this column with a question: Which location on Oahu was once Punahou’s farm, a school for boys and a military academy? Kaimuki High School was there until its current campus was built in 1949.

Tech View: Fiber-optic technology helps decarbonize internet service

None — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Many Hawaii residents have taken steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Some have installed rooftop photovoltaic solar panels on their homes to generate electricity from sunshine. Others have adopted hybrid and electric vehicles, ride bicycles or take the bus to help decarbonize ground transportation.

Dave Reardon: Craig Angelos didn’t get a fair shot

Dave Reardon — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

We’ve got the who, what, where, when and how.

Curtis Murayama: Top-ranked Ducks enjoying NFL Draft snub of star QB Dillon Gabriel

Curtis Murayama — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel has the No. 1-ranked Ducks rolling at 11-0.

Volcanic Ash: Declining public libraries erode Hawaii’s civic soul

David Shapiro — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

As students at Hilo High in the 1960s, my friends and I would spend evenings at the Hilo Public Library doing our homework and socializing.

Kokua Line: Will recycling event have document shredding?

Christine Donnelly — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: There usually was a free shredding event in Aiea in the fall. Did I miss it?

Dave Reardon: Schager makes case for extra year of eligibility

Dave Reardon — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Some University of Hawaii fans want Brayden Schager benched when UH hosts New Mexico on Nov. 30 after a bye. They don’t care that he has started a school-record 33 consecutive games at quarterback.

Column: E ho‘i nā kama Hawai‘i i kahakai

None — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Synopsis: In our small archipelago, many of us thrive in the ocean that surrounds us. However, many others have grown up here without a necessary understanding of the power of the ocean. On an island, such deprivation can lead to tragedy. What can be done?

Rearview Mirror: Rich memories abound of Cavalier, Eagle’s Nest

None — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Last week I mentioned the Cavalier restaurant and Eagle’s Nest lounge in the Pan Am Building on Kapiolani Boulevard. They were there from 1969 until 1982, but, as is often the case, I heard from many who were involved or touched by the story.

Facts of the Matter: Magnetars: Most powerful magnets in the universe

None — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

In the expanse of space, where stars burn and galaxies collide, there exists a type of star so strange and powerful that it challenges our understanding of the universe. These are called magnetars. They are the strongest magnets known to exist, with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth’s. To understand magnetars, we first need to take a closer look at how stars live and die.

Kokua Line: What registration fees come due on exempt vehicle?

Christine Donnelly — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: If I buy a car from an active- duty military member who is exempt from Hawaii vehicle weight taxes, will I have to pay those registration fees when I transfer the title? I’m not in the military.

Kokua Line: How do I appeal back taxes on unregistered car?

Christine Donnelly — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: Recently it was printed that if you buy a car from someone who didn’t keep the registration up to date the new owner has to pay the back taxes to register the car (https://808ne.ws/3US7xTX). It said appeals are possible. How do I file an appeal?

Tech View: Passkeys offer latest means to effective online security

None — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

The quest to secure one’s online accounts seems to be never-ending. From simple passwords to complex passwords, multifactor authentication to password management software, “improvements” have bombarded us. The latest entry in this field: passkeys. What exactly is a passkey, and how can it help us be safer?

Dave Reardon: Tua should never make another head-first tackle

Dave Reardon — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Most of us were taught when we were kids that if we make a mess we’re supposed to clean it up.

Kokua Line: Don’t fall for COLA scam that targets retirees

Christine Donnelly — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: This is my first year on Social Security. Do I have to update any forms to get the COLA? I think this is a scam, but I thought I should check.

Kokua Line: Will monthly or annual HOLO cost rise for adults?

Christine Donnelly — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:05:00 +0000

Question: The city said its proposed transit fare hike doesn’t include any increases for HOLO card riders in the adult category, but it also said the monthly pass rate for adults would go up. My adult monthly pass is a HOLO card! Would it go up or not? I only ride TheBus.